Appreciation and Recognition for Carl Petersen’s Service to KID

It is with heavy hearts that the Kennewick Irrigation District acknowledges the loss of former Board Director, Carl W. Petersen. Mr. Petersen passed away on January 5th in Kennewick, Washington. He served as the longest tenured director on the KID Board with 39 years of service, beginning in 1964 and ending in 2003.

KID would like to express appreciation and recognition for all that Mr. Petersen contributed to the establishment, growth and operation of the Kennewick Irrigation District during his nearly four decades. He will be remembered for his love of serving on the board, which he saw as a commitment to serving the community.

Carl was civic-minded and cared about improving things. Former Board Director John Pringle, who served with Mr. Peterson for 25 years, notes “We are all here because of the water…Carl was passionate about defending KID’s water rights…He was active in handling the mundane details that are necessary for that.”

During his time with the District, Mr. Petersen witnessed the transition of KID from a district serving mainly agricultural land owners to the growing urban area that it is today. Mr. Petersen was active in helping the District to prepare and respond to these changes through such things as, canal and infrastructure improvements and helping to develop the District’s first drought response plans.

The KID Administrative board room is named after Mr. Petersen in honor of his many years of service and dedication to the improvement of the KID.